Category Archives: Athletic

Post navigation

The Super Bowl only comes once a year, which means some people use it as an excuse to eat whatever they want, even if it negatively impacts their fitness goals. People call it a “cheat day” and eat everything from fried chicken to chips and cheese dip. However, you can still attain your fitness goals and enjoy Super Bowl munching without ruining your healthy diet. In fact, your taste buds probably won’t notice a difference, and you won’t feel disappointed when you step on the scale at the end of the week. Try these 3 healthy snack suggestions from OGIO.

3 Healthy Super Bowl Party Snacks

From tasty chicken fingers to spicy dips, you don’t have to resort to sad vegetable trays at the grocery store to enjoy Super Bowl snack food. Substitute those zero-calorie foods for these tasty options.

Instead of fried chips, eat kale chips

Kale contains numerous vitamins and nutrients, and doesn’t leave you feeling greasy after eating it. To make two servings of kale chips, take about 10 to 12 leaves, toss them in a bowl with a tablespoon of olive oil, and add sea salt and black pepper to taste. Arrange the leaves on a baking sheet, and bake for 30 minutes or until they’re crisp. A 121-gram serving has 3.8 grams of protein and contains less than 120 calories and 8 grams of fat.

Instead of cheese dip, eat mango and red pepper salsa

Enjoy a tasty mango and red pepper salsa with your kale chips. Peel and dice two ripe mangoes, one red pepper, and half of a red onion. Add the ingredients to a bowl with three chopped tomatoes and three tablespoons of fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. Add cayenne pepper, salt and black pepper to taste. Mix the ingredients together, and let the salsa sit overnight in your fridge. A 167-gram serving has 1.2 grams of protein and contains less than 70 calories and 1 gram of fat.

Instead of beef burgers, eat pork meatballs

Get your protein fix with a serving of meatballs. Combine two pounds of ground pork into a bowl with a large egg, a minced clove of garlic and a tablespoon each of black pepper, salt, parsley, paprika and mustard. Measure out level tablespoons of pork, and roll them into balls. Cook the meatballs at 400 degrees until they’re brown. A 177-gram serving has more than 40 grams of protein and contains less than 250 calories and 6 grams of fat.

Don’t feel excluded from the festivities when the Super Bowl invites start flowing in! With these healthy snack options, you can enjoy every aspect of the game and still stay on track toward your fitness goals.

Don’t fret when the crisp air of fall starts coming in! That means it’s the perfect time to hit the scenic cycling trails. After the summer heat has departed and before the chill of winter creeps in, fall weather provides the ideal setting for a weekend bike ride. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned biker, we have some great trails for you to explore before you have to store your bike for the winter.

Prairie Spirit TrailThe Prairie Spirit Trail captures the essence of Kansas fall beauty. Spanning from Ottawa to Iola, this 51 miles path runs through small towns, scenic prairies, lazy streams and occasional wildlife. The trail is built on the railbed of the old Leavenworth, Lawrence and Fort Gibson Railroad, and offers easy grades for bikers and hikers alike. A canopy of trees covers most of the trail, providing travelers with shade and beautiful view of fall foliage. Stay hydrated for this long ride with a hydration pack from OGIO. The Atlas 100 Hydration Pack holds 3 liters of water to keep you hydrated throughout your ride.

Virginia Creeper TrailDo some incredible leaf peeping along the Virginia Creeper Trail. This trail runs 35 miles from Abingdon, Virginia to Whitetop Station at the Virginia-North Carolina border. Enjoy miles of national forest and river side biking. The Virginia Creeper Trail is a shared-use trail; you’ll be sharing the path with hikers, bikers and even horse riders. More than 100,000 people enjoy this trail every year. There are 3 visitor centers along the trail, 47 trestles, bathrooms and places to purchase refreshments. Or bring OGIO’s All Elements Pack along to keep enough food and water supplies for a day ride.

Cape Cod Rail TrailBike past a variety of landscapes on the Cape Cod Rail Trail; this trail stretches along sandy beaches past pine forests, salt marshes and cranberry bogs. The 22-mile trail is paved with just a few inclines. Trailheads are dispersed along the route and offer restrooms, food, water and swimming. Trailside shops also provide bicycle rentals. This trail is especially lovely in the fall due to the changing colors of all the different landscapes.

Winnipesaukee River TrailEnjoy spectacular views of the Winnipesaukee River when you hit this trail! The Winnipesaukee River Trail links Tilton, Northfield and Franklin, New Hampshire and contains various historic and cultural sites along the way. This trail is only 5 miles, but it’s packed with fantastic fall foliage and a great view of a gorge used for whitewater kayaking. The short length also makes this a great trail for beginners or for anyone looking for a shorter trip.

Grab your OGIO gear and hit the trails before the fall season is over. While biking in the winter is still possible for hardy athletes, don’t miss out on the splendid colors of fall.

What kind of person willingly undertakes a 2.4 mile swim, a 112-mile bicycle ride and a marathon, for fun?! The amazing athletes who accomplish this amazing feat every year earn the venerable Ironman title. Determined, strong, indomitable, the characteristics of an Ironman or woman exemplify the OGIO spirit! OGIO is honored to be joining forces with IRONMAN to produce a luggage college that is as rugged and tough as the athletes. The IRONMAN collection by OGIO includes transition bags, backpacks, luggage and a briefcase. Durable and lightweight, this collection is perfect for all lifestyle, training and race day needs.

Newt M15

The Newt 15 is the ideal backpack for everyday use, training and race day. This bag has multiple organizational areas for all your gear essentials, and a padded, fleece lined laptop compartment when you aren’t using it for training. Made with quadruple-coated weather and abrasion resistant double ripstop fabric, the IRONMAN Newt M15 holds up even under the harshest conditions. Use this bag for work or training, and enjoy the sleek and durable design for years.

String Sling

The perfect day hike pack, our IRONMAN String Sling is hydration pack compatible and features easy access pockets for snacks and valuables. Side water bottle stretch mesh pocket keeps your water bottle accessible if you opt not to use a hydration pack. The drawstring top keeps all your belongings safe and secure, while quadruple-coated weather and abrasion resistant double ripstop fabric adds extra durability.

M9

Our extra large M9 transition bag holds all your gear with room to spare! Armoured pockets keep valuables and breakables safe while you’re busy training or racing. Protect your gear from extreme weather with the hideaway rain cover. The largest of the IRONMAN duffel-style bags, the M9 features more pockets and convenient backpack straps for easy carrying option. The expandable wet/dry area fits a full-size wetsuit, so you can keep your wet gear separate from your other belongings. The IRONMAN collection also features smaller duffels as well – the M8 and M2.

Emissary M17

Great for work or play, the IRONMAN Emissary M17 features a zippered main compartment and padded tablet sleeve. Work and train like a triathlete with this bag! Full length zippered organization panel is perfect for nutrition organization or office organization. Accessory and water bottle pockets help keep your belongings organized and easily accessible. A 17” laptop fits in this bag as well as your after work workout gear. Foam paneling adds extra protection for your belongings no matter what you use our Emissary M17 for.

Layover M22

The IRONMAN Layover M22 helps you travel like a triathlete. Sturdy wheels and tough telescoping pull handle ensure this bag will travel for years. The Layover M22 is airline regulation size so you can keep all your gear nearby; no need to worry about lost luggage. External pockets make belongings easy to access during and after travel. Constructed from quadruple-coated weather and abrasion resistant double ripstop fabric, this bag endures even the most intense conditions.

The IRONMAN collection is designed with durability and style in mind. Our streamlined collection of bags will keep your organized and prepared for every event. The classic red and black design makes an impression whether you’re training or racing. Every bag also features the IRONMAN and M-DOT logos. Show off the triathlete in you with one of OGIO’s IRONMAN bags!

More than 30 percent of America’s children are obese or overweight, however, many people may not realize this epidemic is occurring or how serious it is. Childhood obesity places children at higher risk for conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.

Fortunately, there is still time to reverse this trend and help create a healthier society. One way to encourage children to become more active is to enjoy physical activities as a family. Participate in National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month by promoting a healthy lifestyle with your kids and engaging in active family time.

While some family activities may consist of sharing meals, family game night or watching TV together, it’s important to stay active as a family to pass on good habits to children. One fun option might be to have the entire family train for a race. Many running events involve races ranging from kids’ runs of less than a mile to marathons and longer. This allows for running or walking distances appropriate for everybody in the family.

You can also incorporate a scenic hike into your training program or simply enjoy it on its own merit. There are usually beautiful places to hike in or near every community in the country.

If you prefer to be active indoors, gyms usually offer family rates that you can take advantage of. One benefit of joining a gym is that there are a variety of activities and work out equipment; every family member can decide which activities at the gym best fit their personality and focus on those. OGIO’s 8.0 Athletic Bag makes trips to the gym easy with a variety of pockets and an oversized main compartment that is big enough for the whole family! Some gyms also have courts available, meaning the family can participate in a pickup basketball or volleyball game.

Golf is also a great low impact, outdoor activity. While it may not require the same physical exertion of a basketball game, golf is an excellent sport to carry over into adulthood. Plus, walking the green while hauling OGIO’s Vapor Stand Bag can burn more calories than you realize. Golf is also an intellectual sport that teaches strategy, control and patience. If your family is intrigued by golf, sign up for lessons together, and hit the links as a family.

No matter what physical activities you decide to do, make sure to choose things that your family will look forward to. Having fun is the best way to encourage kids to stick with what they are doing and bring that passion for fitness into adulthood. When you and your family are getting active, shop OGIO for all your active wear needs! New workout gear is a terrific motivator to get physical!

We know OGIO bags are versatile and durable, but it’s always great to hear from an OGIO fan! Paul Tyler, writer for Active.com, put our OGIO bags to the test and we’re proud to say that our Endurance Collection passed with flying colors. The OGIO Endurance Collection Bags are specifically designed for multi-sport athletes. Therefore, Paul put three of the bags through extensive testing in a variety of environments.

Large gym bag turns comfortable backpack in the form of our 9.0 Athletic Bag. It can be carried as a gym bag or the straps can be let out to form a backpack. The review found that this bag features a pocket for every piece of equipment – with 13 pockets on the outside alone. Paul’s favorite feature was the armored pocket that is capable of protecting breakable items. The X-Train Pack can handle just about any situation, and its comfortable straps ensure it stays with you for it all. A bottom side pocket and six creative inside pockets provide easy organization for all your belongings. The armored pocket also protects breakable items. The Quickdraw bag is perfect for single-sport workouts on-the-go. It has just enough space to hold your gear for a workout and the insulation can keep your bottled water cool till you’re done.

Whether you need a large bag to hold various exercise equipment or a small bag for a single workout, our OGIO Endurance Collection is true to its name – our bags endure!

One of the many things we at OGIO love about our partner Red Bull Signature Series is their progressive and innovative events. Red Bull Signature Series competitions for snowboarding, mountain biking, freestyle motocross, ice cross downhill, skiing and BMX, allow extreme athletes to showcase their skills on one of a kind, custom courses. With all the twists, turns, and high energy performances, there is never a dull moment during an RBSS event. This Sunday RBSS will put on one of the most anticipated races of the year, the Red Bull Signature Series: Hare Scramble 2014. This intense off-road motorcycle race is not to be missed.

Serving as the final event for the famous Erzberg Rodeo in Eisenerz, Austria, The Hare Scramble is the toughest World Extreme Enduro race of them all. The fastest 500 of 1500 competitors are invited to take place in the scramble, which features rugged natural terrain, such as creek beds, logs, hills, mud, rocks, and ruts. These obstacles, as well as elements like wind and rain, require extremely specialized skills to navigate. Only a fraction of the 500 participants will actually finish the incredibly challenging course.

Tune in to NBC Sports Network this weekend to experience the 2014 Hare Scramble first hand. Also, be sure to check out our exclusive Red Bull Signature Series Collection, available for a limited time only.

What are the signs that summer has arrived? Aside from the increased temperature, pool openings and slew of school-free kids roaming around, here are some of the sure-fire activities that show summer is upon us!

1. The Driving Range is Full

Thinking you’re going to hit a bucket of balls at the driving range? So is everyone else! The summer sun and clear skies is bringing out the golfers, as they loosen up their golf swing for the summer. Golf is the ideal summer sport. You can get together with some friends for 18 holes on the course, or go solo at the driving range. OGIO has a great selection of women’s golf bags and golf bags for men. If you need to get some new golf gear, check out OGIO golf bags!

2. Break out the Camping Gear

The summer season is great for camping out. The higher temperatures ensure that you’ll be comfortable in your tent at night. Can’t find a campsite in your area or don’t have time to plan a full camping weekend? Try camping in your backyard. Just because you can’t find a suitable campground doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the great outdoors. Crank up the grill for hot dogs and s’mores, pack up your sleeping bags and set up camp in the backyard. Summer activities like camping are more about experiencing the outdoors and unplugging, whether in a wild forest or a suburban lawn.

3. Cyclists are out and about

Breaking out the two-wheeled or three-wheeled mode of transportation is a definite sign of summer! Cyclists are out in force, whether they’re peddling or revving their motor. Summer is prime riding and biking time, so expect to see bikers on the road. OGIO has a great selection of moto backpacks for bikers who are using their motorcycles as their daily commuter this summer. Don’t forget to watch out for bikers when you’re out driving around, as they can be easily lost in the blind spots of vehicles.

4. It’s Road Trip Season

Time to pack up the car with food, friends and overstuffed OGIO travel bags! Summer is road trip season! Grab a few of your best friends and a great mix CD, and hit the open road. A road trip is a great way to bond with friends over laughs, sights and probably some petty fights – because being trapped in a car for more than 4 hours isn’t always all fun.

5. There’s a Race Every Weekend

Lace up your running shoes! In the summertime, there are a variety of races to join if that’s your thing. Whether you’re participating in a color run or a warrior dash, there are plenty of races, runs and triathlons to choose from! People walking around in running gear, with paper numbers pinned to their shirts and possibly covered in colored powder is a for sure sign that summer is here.

Summer is a great time for fun in the sun. Try any of the activities above for some guaranteed outdoors fun this summer! Don’t forget to check out OGIO’s great selection of athletic bags, apparel and shoes. Whether you’re golfing, camping or participating in a summer color run, OGIO has something for everyone!

Many people associate June with Father’s Day, but at OGIO we want to remind you that June is also National Men’s Health Month, a significant time for all males. This year marks the 20th anniversary of groups across the country joining the National Men’s Health Network in celebrating this important awareness period. Originally created as part of a Congressional health education program, the proposed goal of Men’s Health Month is to increase public awareness of preventable health problems that affect men and boys. It is also meant to encourage early screenings, detection, and treatment of such diseases and conditions as well as routine medical checkups and healthy lifestyle choices.

Each year thousands of awareness activities such as health fairs, media coverage, expert speakers, and other outreach events take place throughout the country and around the globe. One of the essential messages that these events communicate is the role of exercise in staying healthy. At OGIO that is a sentiment we fully agree with. Whether it’s hitting the gym, going for bike rides, running or hiking on trails, or even playing a lively round of golf, we support men in their mission to remain active at all ages. This type of moderate to intense exercise helps prevent heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes and other conditions, while also promoting overall wellbeing.

For those of you who already ride your bike to work, doing it this week makes it an official National activity. For those who don’t, now is the perfect time to try! The springtime weather is ideal for cycling in many parts of the country, and you’ll be joining in camaraderie with the thousands of other commuters who are estimated to participate in biking events this week. This healthy, fun and sustainable method of communing has exploded in popularity over the past decade, with the number of bicycle commuters in the U.S. expanding by more than 47%.[i]

Benefits of Biking to Work

-It’s fuel efficient and cheap – you’re burning calories instead of fossil fuels and money.
-A tree will want to hug YOU. If only 5% of New Yorkers switched to cycling instead of car transport on their daily commute, they could save 150 million pounds of CO2 emissions per year.[ii]
-Exposure to morning light could help lower your BMI.[iii]
-Getting moderate exercise from cycling in the am will kick start your metabolism and release ‘feel good’ serotonin in your body, setting the tone for your whole day.
-Biking could save you the time waste, and frustration, of sitting in traffic jams.

This coming Tuesday, April 22nd, is Earth Day, the worldwide celebration of environmental protection. Founded by the Earth Day Network in 1970, the holiday is often associated with ecologically friendly activities such as recycling and planting trees. While such activism is certainly in the fundamental spirit of the day, another important part of the Earth Day is simply being out in and appreciating nature. This year, consider unplugging from technology and spending some quality time outdoors with these awesome past times:

Hiking: Taking a hike is one of the best ways to explore the natural beauty of an environment. Hiking paths often wind through various types of tertian, showcasing the diversity of an area. Depending on where you live, you can easily go through woodland, meadows, stream beds, and more in a single hike. When planning your hike look for a national park or local conservation center with scenic views. If you’re feeling really adventurous, you might even consider making a weekend trip out of it. Day hikes are great, but adding camping makes for an even better experience!

Biking: In addition to being a great form of exercise, biking is an excellent way to experience the outdoors. You can cover great distances with relative ease and with little impact on your joints. And what better way to enjoy the sights and smells of spring than with the wind blowing through your hair? Take your bicycle to a local bike path, go off road at a nearby nature center, or make your Earth Day commute more green and bike to work.

Running: Just because you’re not the “stop and smell the roses type” doesn’t mean you can’t take some time to appreciate nature. If you’re more of a get up and goer, then how about taking a nice long run this Earth Day? One of the best things about running is that you can do it anywhere. If you live in the city find a nice park and enjoy the new spring buds and blossoms. If you live in a more rural location, consider finding a wooded or hilly area and challenge yourself to a cross country run.

We live on a pretty cool planet and Earth Day is a great excuse to go explore it! If you’re looking for the perfect gear to accompany you on your adventures, check out our top of the line athletic bags. The X-Train pack and All Elements pack are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. From all of us here at OGIO have a happy and active Earth Day!

With February nearing an end, you might find that all your lofty fitness resolutions are starting to fall by the wayside. Just in case you need a little extra motivation, we’ve compiled a list of ten awesome new songs to help get revamp your workouts. So add these tunes to your iPod, grab your OGIO duffel bag, and get back on track!

The Messed Up Kids- Jake Bugg

If you don’t know about Jake Bugg yet, it’s time to check him out. This talented 19 year old is being touted as the “British rock wunderkind” and “England’s new working class hero”. Bugg is an honest lyricist whose songs range in style from country/ folk to punk rock. His self-entitled album was released at the end of 2012 followed by his sophomore album “Shangri La” a year later. While “Lightning Bolt,” “Two Fingers,” “Slumville Sunrise” and “What Doesn’t Kill You” are all workout – worthy, try “The Messed Up Kids” first. This soulful tune showcases a little bit of everything Bugg is capable of and works great as warm up song. Ease into it on the verses and push yourself on the more up tempo chorus.

House of Gold- Twenty One Pilots

When trying to describe Twenty One Pilots, the word that comes to mind is quirky. According to MTV the duo describes their style as a, “distinctive fusion of piano-driven schizoid pop and lyrical uplift.” This roughly translates to the fact that they rap, rock, and croon their way through their first studio album “Vessel.” The CD’s second single “House of Gold” features ukulele accompaniment, endearing lyrics, and a steady beat that make it a fun early workout song.

Laura Palmer- Bastille

Bastille’s chart topping single “Pompeii” made many “Top Work Out Songs of 2013” lists. This London based indie pop quartet’s debut album, “Bad Blood”, has plenty more tracks to make you sweat. For a heart pounding work out, check out “Laura Palmer.” Even if you don’t get the pop culture references to the cult television show Twin Peaks, this song is still sure to please. It’s fast paced, intense, and has the potential to get stuck in your head just as easily as “Pompeii”.

Burn- Ellie Goulding

As the current queen of electropop, Ellie Goulding has produced a few workout playlist essentials. Her new hit “Burn” is another clubby track that will fit nicely into your cardio routine. Goulding herself is actually somewhat of fitness idol, with a half marathon and multiple workout shoots under her belt. So add this tune to your to your iPod and jam out while you “burn” fat like pop princess… sorry, couldn’t resist. The pun may be bad, but the song is pretty good.

Kangaroo Court- Capital Cities

You’ve probably danced to Capital Cities’ “Safe & Sound” over the last few months (whether in a club or in the car… we don’t judge). But the second single from this LA based band Indie pop band is even jazzier. With its steady beat and dancey rhythm, it’s perfect for hitting your stride and keeping you interested mid workout.

Falling- Haim

These three California sisters burst through the music scene in 2013, gaining notoriety in the United States, a spot at the 2014 Coachella Valley Festival, and a number one album in the UK. Haim’s music is reminiscent of decades gone by (often being attributed to artists like Fleetwood Mac) while still being very current and hip. Their new single “Falling” has a particularly fun, 80’s sound. It’s what Rolling Stone calls “the kind of micro triumph you sit up and root for.” With its refreshingly unexpected sound, this is a song that will also make you want to stand up and root for yourself when your workout is starting to drag.

Hey Brother- Avicii

You’re probably familiar with (and maybe even a little sick of) Avicii’s international hit “Wake Me Up.” But the Swedish house DJ’s new single “Hey Brother” is arguably more interesting and equally workout – compatible. The song combines impressive vocals from American bluegrass singer Dan Tyminski (the man behind O Brother, Where Art Thou?’s “Man of Constant Sorrow”) and the signature dance beat Avicii is known for. This awesome piece of folktronica will add something a little different to your routine.

Do I Wanna Know- Arctic Monkeys

Cheeky English Indie rock band, the Arctic Monkey’s, have been played on select U.S. circuits since their forming in 2002, but they haven’t really made it big in America… until now. Their latest album “AM” is enjoying big success across the pond from their UK home. The band has already sold out its first U.S. stadium show. “AM’s” first track “Do I Wanna Know” is the perfect hill song for bikers and runners. It has a slower beat so you won’t exhaust yourself, but a powerful tone to keep you super motivated.

The Man- Aloe Blacc

Singer songwriter Aloe Blacc has been part of the music scene for a while. But while he’s had past singles such as “I Need a Dollar” and “Loving You is Killing Me,” “The Man” is his first Billboard Top 100 hit. The song, which was also featured in prime time commercials for Beats headphones, has an inspirational vibe that is somewhat akin to R. Kelly’s epic nineties hit “I Believe I Can Fly.” It’s the perfect new tune to help you power through the end of your workout even when you’re totally spent.

XO- Beyonce

Of course no playlist would be complete without a track from Queen B. “XO” is one of the highlights of Beyoncé’s new self-titled album. It is a passionate number that is both magnificently powerful as well as sweet. With its slower tempo, this song is great choice for a cool down or some ab exercises at the end of a workout.

Just like great music, the right equipment is essential to having a productive workout. Make sure you’re properly outfitted for your gym sessions, runs, bike trips, and other fitness activities. OGIO’s endurance athletic gear can help you meet your all goals. Check out our fantastic selection of high quality sports backpacks and athletic bags. Work it out!

So we’re a month into the New Year already, and if you’re like most people, your dedication to those lofty resolutions is already starting to lag. It’s not too late to get back on track with your goals! Here are some tips and tricks to give your New Year’s goals a kick in the you-know-what:

• Write it down: There’s something about putting it on paper that makes an intention so much more tangible. Write it on a post-it, whiteboard, papyrus scroll, and you will feel more accountable for getting it done. Plus, it feels so good to cross it off your list when you accomplish it!

• Break it up: Break up your big goals into smaller, more manageable tasks. For example, if your goal is something big and general like ‘get healthy’, start by looking up some new healthy recipes and cooking at home once a week. Once you’ve got that down, layer on another task like walking 20 minutes each day or trying that new kickboxing class.

• Tell a friend: Sharing your goals with others will make it harder to give up, you sissy. Bounce fitness and nutrition ideas off each other for fitspiration! And lean on others for support when that slice of pepperoni pizza is calling your name. OGIO wants to help you stick to it, so we’re going to give away a 9.0 Endurance Bag to one lucky fan. Enter below, and good luck!